LENTIL HELPS IN RESTORING LOST TASTE AND IN THE CURE OF THE EARLY STAGES OF LEPROSY

CAJANUS CAJAN LINN.

Cajanus cajan which is synonymous to Cajanus indicus, is given different names like red gram, pigeon pea, Congo pea, and “tur” by the local people in India. The plant is usually cultivated and the gram, a rich source of protein is widely used in India for the preparation of the popular “dahl curry”. The plant is an erect shrub which grows to a height of 1.5 to 3 metres with many branches. The leaves are pinnately trifoliate and the leaflets are oblong-lanceolate and entire. The yellow flowers are typical members of the family Papilionaceae or Fabaceae. The green pods which may be 5 to 7.5 cm long have fine hairs and reddish purple steaks. The seeds are about the size of a small pea. The powder of the seeds is mixed with water, made into a paste and applied onto the face to improve complexion.

Medicinal use:

• For expelling worms from the body.
• Helps in restoring lost taste.
• Helps in the cure of the early stages of leprosy.
• Ulcers of the mouth.
• Tumours.
• Helps in the cure of bronchitis and vomiting.
• Helps in heart diseases, piles, cough and biliousness or congestion of the liver.
• Cures flatulence or gas in stomach and intestines.
• Obesity, poisoning and rheumatism.

How to use:

• To take care of the total list above, a decoction of the green or dry pods along with the seeds are prepared and consumed.

​Parts used:
The pods with the seeds.

Dose:
Normal.